WJHS
Media Center Pathfinder Technology Education
 |
Shake, Rattle and
Roll!
Earthquake Engineering
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Graphic Source:
USGS Publications, Measuring Earthquakes
Assignment
Objectives:
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Explore seismic activity (TELO #3)
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Test structures during a seismic episode (TELO #4)
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Design structural elements to resist seismic forces (TELO #5)
Technological Systems: (see The
Nine Core Technologies for definitions)
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Construction Systems
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Mechanical Systems
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Power & Energy Systems
Challenge: 
Design and construct a structure that will resist the destructive
forces that result from the motion
generated from an earthquake. Test a building during a
simulated earthquake and add structural
elements to better resist these forces. The structure should
withstand the seismic shock with minimal
damage to the structure and therefore lesseen potential loss of life.
Design Parameters:
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The building should be designed and constructed at a scale of 1/2" = 1'-0"
to a width of 40',
a depth of 30' and a height of 75' (5 stories).
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The column spacing of bays should be by 20' by 15'
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The building will be placed on two types of foundations to simulate two
types of ground support:
Bedrock and Sedimentary soil.
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Joints should be free to move for first test and reinforced prior to the
the second test.
Topics
| Wave Theory |
Forces |
Geology |
Mathematical Scales |
| Engineering Design |
Motion |
Structural Theory |
Graphic Calculations |
| Material Characteristics |
Architectural Design |
|
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Searching the Shelves 
All computers in the library can access the Media Center's
Electronic Card Catalog. It is located on the Global Access Menu under
Media Center Programs. The Catalog identifies all the holdings (books,
etc.) of the WJHS Media Center. It is also possible to search for materials
on the MCPS
Library Catalog Online. Be sure to set the limits of your search to
Walter Johnson HS only.
If you wish to expand your research use this link to Other
Libraries. This link provides direct connections to the Montgomery
County Public Library system, as well as libraries at NIH, University of
Maryland, the Library of Congress and others.
For this assignment, the following Dewey Decimal classification
numbers will be helpful:
551.2, 904 TUF Earthquakes
550.3
DIC Dictionary of Geologic Terms
603 NEW
Science and Technology Encyclopedia 620.,
620.9 Engineering
Learning Research Hub
Walter Johnson’s Learning Research Hub provides access to
a wide variety of general and
subject-based online reference materials. The links below
provide access to useful research tools
for this project.
* When using GaleNet select: DISCovering Science
Internet Sites
Use the following Internet Sites for information on this
project. If you discover other useful Internet sites complete the
Internet
Checklist (copies available in Media Center) to authenticate the site.
USGS
Earthquake Information
UPSeis:
An Educational Site for Budding Seismologists
Virtual
Earthquake
National
Information Service for Earthquake Engineering
Earthquake
Engineering Research Institute (EERI)
The
John A. Blume: Earthquake Engineering Center: Links
Building
Bridges in Earthquake Country
Building
Safer Structures
Earthquake
Questions...
Earthquake
Engineering
Why
the Earth Shakes
Building
For The Big One
The
Faultline Project
Earthquake
Homepage
Earthquake
Information
Earthquake
FAQs
Information
on Earthquakes
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